Boot & Saddle, Dec. 13 - Cass McCombs (Preview)

Sometimes its hard to believe how much an artist must wade through to get to where they are. Singer-songwriter's Cass McCombs early struggles in the industry are well-documented, but 10 years after the release of his debut LP A, those struggles seem fortunately distant.

The California-born McCombs, who released his seventh album Big Wheel And Others back in October, has found critical success as one of the more consistent darlings of the indie folk scene. But before all of this, McCombs was nothing more than a poor, traveling musician, trying to edge his way through in the late 90s and early 2000s. Knowing that, the dour subjects on Big Wheel And Others, such as the lead track - a spoken minute long session between McCombs and a drug-addled child - start to make more sense.

It's not a constant motif for the project, but rather a tipping point for McCombs jumping into a twisted perception of Americana. Murder, mystery, and a constant feeling of drifting helplessness come to pass on the record. But Big Wheel ...  is big enough to let McCombs dance around other elements, giving more credence to the vast openness of his Western inspirations.

He'll be making his way to Philadelphia's newest venue Boot & Saddle Friday, December 13 alongside Arboretum for an intimate showcase. Tickets are on sale now for a modest $13, but don't forget to check out Boot & Saddle's awesome menu and drink list.

Big Wheel And Others is out now on Domino Records.

Jon Hopkins video - Collider

With the release of the extended version of Immunity, one of 2013's most surprising, well-balanced, and transcendent albums, Jon Hopkins debuted his newest video for "Collider."

The new video, which will also be released as a single bundled with a few remixes next February, comes from upstarts THUMP UK and director Tom Haines. On working with the producer, Haines said;

"Jon's music has a transportive quality, which can be blissful and expansive, but can also be internal, and more aggressive, and Collider is at this end of the spectrum. We wanted to create an internal journey, which was unflinching, singular and claustrophobic and at the same time liberating. The video is like a voodoo ceremony, where the lead character dances herself into frenzy, and through the dance gains access to a parallel dimension; it's her unfurling thoughts, her dislocated mind, and hints at something more apocalyptic - an end game for her and us."

Watch the video below and order the extended version of Immunity on iTunes, before its December 9 release.

Dirty Projectors video - Impregnable Question

It was has confirmed to be the final video from last year's Swing Lo Magellan, director Adam Newport-Berra debuted the new video for Dirty Projector's "Impregnable Question."

The video, which comes off as an oddly profound display of nature clashing with high-school medium jock culture, is as funny and odd as it is picturesque. Newport-Berra shot the video over the course of five days in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park.

Watch it below and grab Swing Lo Magellan today on Domino.

Franz Ferdinand video - Evil Eye

Director Diane Martel, who's biggest claim to fame is her video for Robin Thicke's mega-hit "Blurred Lines," stepped back in the ring again with the thoroughly violent new video for Franz Ferdinand's "Evil Eye."

The Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action single features a VHS-level array of B-movie violence in a freakish ray of Americana phantasm. So the NSFW label does as well here as it did in "Blurred Lines."

Check out the video below. Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action  is out now on Domino.

Cass McCombs - There Can Be Only One

Featured on Cass McCombs' upcoming seventh (what he refers to as his "seventh-and-a-half") studio album is the low-hum, succinctly charming "There Can Be Only One." McCombs, per usual, plays with mild country aesthetics while letting his more inspired verses carry the weight of the track.

Stream "There Can Be Only One" below. McCombs' new 22-track album Big Wheel And Others is set for release October 15 on Domino. Pre-order the album here.

Jon Hopkins - Breathe This Air (ft. Purity Ring)

As part of an upcoming set of tour dates together, Megan James of Purity Ring has added her lofty vocals on an updated version of Jon Hopkins' "Breathe This Air." The exasperating and dreamy new take will be featured on an exclusive 12", 175 of which will be given away at the duo's shows at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles.

Also featured on the 12" will be a special Jon Hopkins remix of Purity Ring's "Amenamy," which will be released on Domino Records. Tour date info is available here.

New Dan Deacon video - USA

It almost being the 4th of July and all, Dan Deacon (along with Adult Swim) has brought out his massive "USA" video project. The 22-minute piece, directed by Dave Hughes, ties in the four song middle of Deacon's America with an ultra iconic super-American montage; complete with animals, nature scenery, and classic balls-to-wall tripping visuals.

Stream it below and grab America today on Domino Records.

New Franz Ferdinand - Bullet (From 'A Weekend In Glasgow')

Before Scotland faves Franz Ferdinand release the brand new Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, the band gave a little taste of the studio process with "A Weekend In Glasgow." The mini-documentary shot feature, which barely crawls past three minutes, features a brand new Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action track "Bullet." Although it's not the finished product (patience, guys), it's the first brand new music we've heard from the band since 2009's post Tonight: Franz Ferdinand dance collaboration release Blood.

Watch the short below and pre-order the new album via Domino Records before the August 27 release.

New Hot Chip - Dark & Stormy

Don't get too far ahead of yourself - "Dark & Stormy" isn't part of some surprise Hot Chip album on the way (sigh).

While many of the group's members are venturing outside the Hot Chip boundaries with various solo efforts, including Joe Goddard's upcoming Taking Over EP, "Dark & Stormy" is the band full and true. It's the first new studio music from the band since last year's In Our Heads, and it might not be a surprise if its eventually on a new LP. But for now, stream the single below.

Bonus: The "Dark & Stormy" single will be released digitally and on 10" vinyl July 22, with an alternate version of "Look At Where We Are" as the featured B-Side from Domino Records.

Album Stream: Jon Hopkins - Immunity

A week before celebrated British producer and composer Jon Hopkins debuts his new album Immunity, fans can stream the full LP via NPR.

The swirling minimalist haze of the album begins with "We Disappear," with Hopkins transfixing motioning beats drifting further and further inward through echoed multitudes. It's a similar technique heard throughout the album, which features another lengthy and mesmerizing gem, "Open Eye Signal," which featured a video premiere late last month that is available below.

Stream the entire LP here before the June 4 release on Domino Records.

Franz Ferdinand announce new album, 'Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action'

Nearly four years after the release of Tonight, Franz Ferdinand have finally announced the proper follow-up, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action.

The teaser trailer for the album, the fourth since the band's landmark self-titled debut in 2004, premiered two days ago, which shares a blip of the title track. It's slated for release August 26 in the UK and August 27 in the U.S.

As well, the group will be releasing a special "Passport Edition" of the LP, which will contain a double-vinyl copy, a CD copy, a 7" with two tracks not included on the official album, an extra 12", a live recording, and four special post-cards from each band member.

Watch the teaser below and pre-order the album now at Domino Records.

Animal Collective - New Town Burnout (Shabazz Palaces remix)

One of the standout tracks from Animal Collective's upcoming Monkey Been To Burn Town (can't get enough of that title) remix EP comes from West coast avant-garde rapper group Shabazz Palaces. The twisted take on Centipede Hz track "New Town Burnout" comes with distant aural spacing and free-falling verses from Ishmael Butler, turning it into a deconstructed eight-minute burner.

Monkey Been To Burn Town, which also features remixes from Gang Gang Dance member Brian DeGraw, Teengirl Fantasy, and Tha Traxman, is due out in vinyl and as a digital download May 27 from Domino Records. Those who pre-order the 12" will receive the Brian DeGraw remix of "Monkey Riches" immediately.

New Dan Deacon video - Crash Jam

Before Dan Deacon starts his series of tour dates alongside Animal Collective tonight in Boston, the Baltimore native premiered the curiously frenetic new video for "Crash Jam." The America cut was spliced together by fellow Baltimore artist Ben O'Brien, you sped up P90x videos for the collided effect.

Check it below and grab America today via Domino Records.

New Dirty Projectors - There's A Fire

Dirty Projector's steady stream of excellent tracks continues today with the release of "Offspring Are Blank" B-Side "There's a Fire."

Dave Longstreth's staggered riffs star, once again, as the centerpiece of a song that could have just easily fit along with the rest of Swing Lo Magellan. Check it out below, and try to grab one of the limited remaining copies available left over at Domino.

Bonus: The band will be touring with The National this summer, which just announced plans to release a brand new album. Check the tour dates here, via Pigeons and Planes.

Dirty Projectors on Conan

Still coasting after last year's excellent LP Swing Lo Magellan, Dirty Projectors appeared on Conan last night for a swelling performance of "Offspring Are Blank." Check the performance below and grab the album any time you feel like via Domino Records.

New Ducktails - Letter Of Intent

Ducktails, the side-project headed by Real Estate member Matt Mondanile, just released this gorgeous new single "Letter Of Intent." The track features the help from some familiar names, including Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) and Joel Ford, whom you may recall was his partner on Ford & Lopatin. Additionally, Jessa Farkas provides some heart-warming vocals.

Check the track out below, and grab Ducktails' new album The Flower Lane January 29, via Domino Records.

Dirty Projectors on Letterman

Last night, Dirty Projectors stopped by The Late Show with David Letterman to perform the title track from their stellar About To Die EP, complete with huge backing orchestra, fitting tight corners on this unusually timed song. Check it out below, and grab the EP today via Domino.

New Animal Collective - Crimson

Not featured on the band's most recent output, Centipede Hz, Animal Collective has been performing "Crimson" at recent performances. The track, however, will be on the band's upcoming Applesauce 10", which is slated for release November 13 via Domino. Check it out below.

New Dirty Projectors video - About To Die

From David Longstreth's Hi Custodian project is this new video for Dirty Projector's "About To Die." It's simply a shortened version of the original 20-minute video from the band's new album Swing Lo Magellen.

"About To Die" will also be feature track on the band's upcoming EP of the same name, which will be released November 6 via Domino Records.

Night Moves - Country Queen

Don't let the song title throw you off. Minneapolis band Night Moves' "Country Queen" is a fantastic anthem from their increasingly hyped Colored Emotions LP, which is set for release October 9 via Domino. The single comes months after the release of their "Headlights" 7", which you should take your time to listen to below as well.